South America 2-3 week round trip
Everything you need to know for an unforgettable round trip
South America is a familiar continent to many travellers, but often mainly because of iconic sights such as Machu Picchu in Peru, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, the impressive Iguazú Falls and the endless salt flats of Uyuni.
That’s a shame, because this vast continent has so much more to offer. From the rugged peaks of the Andes to the vast Amazon and from colonial towns to vibrant cities—there is so much to discover. If you look beyond the well-known highlights, you’ll find unspoilt nature, hidden gems and cultures rich in tradition and character. Here, we’re sharing our tips to help you set off on a journey to discover the real South America!
Why a roundtrip South America?
A roundtrip through South America is an adventurous and surprisingly accessible experience. The infrastructure is well developed, with domestic flights, long-distance buses and transfers and comfortable hotels. You can also take wonderful trips by rental car. Whether you opt for an active hiking trip through the Andes, a relaxing holiday on tropical beaches or a cultural trip of colonial cities and indigenous traditions-there is something for everyone to discover. Nature lovers can immerse themselves in the Amazon, on the vast pampas or among the impressive Patagonian glaciers. Travelling with children is also great here, thanks to child-friendly destinations and welcoming culture.
Galápagos
What to see and do
In South America, we offer tours to the following destinations: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Galapagos, Peru, Suriname and Uruguay. To give you an idea of the countries and what to see there, we briefly explain all of them below.
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Argentina
Argentina is the land of tango, wines and hospitality, but also the land of vast landscapes (Patagonia), the rugged and icy Tierra del Fuego, where tough gauchos herd their flocks. Argentina is a paradise for travellers who love freedom, nature and culinary indulgence. Drive along panoramic roads, stay at an atmospheric estancia and enjoy a good glass of wine overlooking the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. A destination for true epicureans!
Highlights:
1. Buenos Aires
2. Patagonia
3. The Far North
4. Iguazú
5. Wine region
More Argentina -
Bolivia
A roundtrip through Bolivia is like travelling back in time. The country, still largely undiscovered by mass tourism, remains authentic and mystical. Bolivia is tucked between the peaks of the Andes and thus isolated from the rest of the world. You will find the salt flats of Uyuni, the historic city of Sucre and Lake Titicaca, among others. Experience the colourful markets of La Paz and hike through still untouched nature reserves such as Amboró National Park and the Amazon. Bolivia is the destination of choice for travellers interested in indigenous cultures, in a country that is still in its infancy from a tourism perspective.
Highlights:
1. Uyuni Salt Flats
2. La Paz
3. Sucre
4. Lake Titicaca
More Bolivia -
Brazil
Brazil is a colourful, vibrant mix of cultures, diverse landscapes, impressive cities and, of course, the world's biggest carnival. From the beaches of Copacabana and Ilha Grande to the vast Amazon and wild nature in the Pantanal. Brazil also offers the opportunity to explore the country by rental car. Brazil is an ideal destination for those looking for a combination of nature, culture and relaxation, but also for those who like sun, sea and fun.
Highlights:
1. Rio de Janeiro
2. Pantanal
3. Iguaçu Falls
4. Colonial towns
5. The Amazon
More of Brazil -
Chile
If you love diverse landscapes, (rugged) nature, driving, hiking and outdoor sports, Chile is the perfect destination. Here you will find the driest desert in the world, salt lakes and impressive volcanoes, as well as fjords, snowy peaks and impressive ice fields. In Chile, you will also find excellent quality wines and beautiful estancias to stay at. Apart from more famous highlights, in Chile you will find the Carretera Austral, which is one of the most beautiful car routes in the world, crossing rugged nature and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights:
1. Torres del Paine National Park/Patagonia
2. Carretera Austral
3. Atacama Desert
4. Easter Island
5. Wine regions
More of Chile -
Colombia
Colombia is a destination that surprises. A country that offers everything: from the mountain peaks of the Andes and the coffee region to the jungle of the Amazon and the Caribbean beaches of Tayrona. Wander through colourful colonial villages like Barichara and Villa de Leyva or discover bustling Medellín and colonial Cartagena. The welcoming locals complete the experience. Colombia is a country full of contrasts and still boasts its authentic charm.
Highlights:
1. Tayrona National Park
2. Cartagena
3. Coffee region
4. Medellín
5. Barichara
More Colombia -
Ecuador
Ecuador is an ideal country for nature lovers. Despite its small size, it offers an impressive variety of landscapes: from the Galápagos Islands and the Andes to the Amazon. Discover ancient Inca ruins, colourful markets in Otavalo and the colonial charm of Quito. Explore the Amazon jungle, home to unique flora and fauna, or visit Mindo, famous for its cloud forests and birdlife. Every natural area in Ecuador is a special experience, from adventurous hikes to quiet moments in pristine nature. This diverse country has something unique to offer for everyone, from culture to nature to history.
Highlights:
1. Quito
2. Cotopaxi National Park
3. Otavalo
4. Amazon region
5. Mindo
More Ecuador -
Galapagos
The Galápagos Archipelago consists of 13 larger islands, 6 smaller islands and more than 100 rock formations. The archipelago is considered one of the most volcanically active regions in the world, and each island boasts its own unique wildlife and ecosystem. It is a true privilege to be able to visit the Galápagos Islands. A truly unique place on earth!
More about the Galápagos -
Peru
Peru is a country that stimulates all your senses. On a roundtrip, you will discover colourful cultures and diverse landscapes: from the imposing Andes and vast deserts to fertile valleys and the Amazon jungle. In addition, Peruvian cuisine is extremely varied and sophisticated (Lima is the culinary capital of the continent for good reason). Travel through the Andes and experience more than just Machu Picchu.
Highlights:
1. Cuzco & the Sacred Valley
2. Colca Canyon
3. Treks
4. Culinary Lima
5. The Amazon
More of Peru -
Suriname
Suriname is familiar to many, mainly due to its history as a former colony of the Netherlands, but it is still a relatively unknown destination for a roundtrip. That's a shame, because we think it's a great place to explore! Suriname is a true melting pot of cultures and it's one of the best places to visit on the Amazon. Suriname is also highly recommended for families!
Highlights:
1. Kabalebo
2. Paramaribo
3. Knini Paati
4. Peperpot
5. Jodensavanne
More Suriname -
Uruguay
Uruguay is a hidden and less undiscovered gem in South America. The country is a mix of nature, culture and relaxation. Visit Montevideo, for example, for historic architecture and vibrant markets, or Punta del Este, famous for its beaches and luxury resorts. Discover Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage city with colonial charm, or experience the tranquillity of Cabo Polonio, a car-free fishing village. Uruguay is best known for its hospitality, excellent wines and traditional asado (barbecue), but also as a relaxed destination with a rich history and high quality of life.
Highlights:
1. Colonia del Sacramento
2. Punta del Este
3. Carmelo
4. Cabo Polonio
5. Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo
More Uruguay
What is the best travel time
South America is a vast continent with diverse climates and landscapes. Consequently, there is no single ‘best’ time to travel across the entire continent. The ideal time depends on the country and even the specific region you wish to visit. For example, Patagonia is best visited during the South American summer (December–March), whilst the Andes and the Amazon can be visited all year round, albeit with seasonal variations. Click here for an overview by destination.
It is always advisable to check the best time to travel, particularly if you wish to see specific animal species such as whales or turtles, or specific natural phenomena. Conversely, there can also be advantages to not being tied to a specific travel period. For example, you can travel outside the peak season, which means airfares are lower and there is greater availability. We’d be happy to help you plan this, of course.
How much time should you set aside for a roundtrip?
How much time you should set aside for a round trip through one or more countries in South America naturally depends entirely on what you would like to see and do. However, it is already quite possible to make a roundtrip starting from 12 days per specific country. Because the distances are so great, it is difficult for South America to combine several countries in a short period of time. However, it is possible to combine two countries within the continent in three weeks, for example.
We always recommend making choices, which is why we always give honest advice on whether the number of destinations you wish to visit is feasible in the time available to you. If it is not, we are happy to help you think about which destinations you could visit in the time available to you.
Iguazú Falls, on the border between Argentina and Brazil
Where is the best place to stay?
For a roundtrip through South America, we like to work with unique accommodations located in special locations. In the middle of the rainforest, surrounded by wildlife. A hotel located right by the waterfalls of Iguaçu or higher up in the mountains with 180-degree views of the surrounding mountains or luxury glamping tents in special locations.
The countries have plenty of different accommodation where you can stay. As we organise tailor-made trips, we work with different hotels in different categories. This does require that the accommodations offer the necessary comfort, service and hygiene. We also like to look for accommodation that adds value to your round trip, such as a unique location, a beautiful boutique hotel in a city or a hotel with personalised service. Before we start working out a travel programme, we like to discuss with you what you are looking for so that we can choose accommodation that best suits your budget and wishes.
Some examples of accommodation we enjoy working with:
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Hotel das Cataratas - Brazil
The handsome five-star hotel from the Belmond collection exudes an elegant colonial atmosphere. Das Cataratas is the only hotel located in the Foz do Iguaçu National Park. This unique location allows guests to experience the waterfalls in peace and quiet, outside regular opening hours.
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Aqua Expeditions Cruise - Peru
A stay on board one of Aqua Expeditons' small ships is ultimate and unique. A very special experience, in a special, virtually undiscovered region: the Pacaya Samiria Reserve in northern Peru. You sail through this pristine part of the Peruvian Amazon while being completely pampered on board and enjoying all modern comforts.
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Kabalebo Nature Resort - Suriname
Kabalebo Nature Resort is nestled deep within the unspoilt jungle of Suriname and is accessible only by air. Here you’ll experience pure tranquillity, surrounded by vast expanses of nature. Hike through dense forests, spot colourful birds and kayak down crystal-clear rivers. Far from civilisation, this lodge offers a rare opportunity to experience the Amazon in its purest form.
Read more -
Refugio Ecologico Caiman - Brazil
An unforgettable stay in the middle of the southern part of the Pantanal. Enjoy comfort, privacy and exclusivity that this lodge has to offer. Take part in a different activity every day and go in search of jaguars with the Jaguar Habituation team.
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Puqio Tented Camp - Peru
Puqio Tented Camp is tucked away in the vast landscapes of southern Peru. Here you will find unique luxury glamping tents in the middle of nature. Surrounded by desert and mountains, you will experience silence and endless starry skies. The small-scale tents combine luxury with simplicity, while the remote location creates a deeper connection with the landscape and local culture.
What is the best way to travel around South America?
Travelling around South America can be done in different ways and depends on your wishes and the route you want to travel.
Travelling by rental car
It might not be the first thing that springs to mind, but you can explore a large part of South America very easily in a rental car. Countries that are particularly well suited to this include Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Peru. Parts of Ecuador and Colombia are also excellent for exploring independently by rental car.
Travelling around by car is a great way to discover a country or area. What makes travelling by car so special is the freedom it offers. You have the possibility to stop wherever you want. This allows you to get to places you would otherwise not have been to, making a trip never the same.
Transfers
Would you rather not travel alone in a rental car? If so, there’s always the option of travelling by transfer from one destination to the next. Transfers often include an English-speaking driver/guide who can tell you more about the area you’re travelling through. What’s more, you can choose to stop off at a place of interest along the way, such as an archaeological site or one of the continent’s many volcanoes.
Travelling with transfers gives you peace and relaxation when travelling, because you don't have to worry about where and when to go. All you have to do yourself is enjoy the journey and the surroundings (and make sure you are ready at the agreed time).
Flights
As the South American continent is so vast, domestic and/or local flights are often necessary. This may involve travelling long distances within a single country (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, etc.), but flights are also often necessary when combining several countries during your trip of South America, given the enormous distances involved.
By boat
You can travel by cruise ship or boat to various destinations in South America. These include not only destinations such as the Galápagos Islands and Antarctica, where you can go on an (expedition) cruise, staying on board the ship for the entire duration of your trip and taking daily excursions to various sights, but also shorter and smaller cruise options. For example, you can take an Amazon cruise in Brazil or Peru, or a cruise in Patagonia past glaciers and fjords. On some routes, you can also travel by boat for just a few hours, for instance when taking a ferry in the Chilean Lake District or travelling from Argentina to Uruguay.
Examples of tours through South America
As you can see here, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for a trip of South America. There are countless possibilities and various destinations to visit. We can imagine that this might make it difficult to see the wood for the trees. It is not possible to trip the whole of South America in 2 to 3 weeks, and we strongly advise against it. Our advice, if you have 2 or 3 weeks to spare, is to focus on one or two destinations.
Below, we’ve put together two sample itineraries for you: a two-week trip and a three-week trip. Although two weeks is very tight for a trip covering two countries, we’ve created a sample itinerary for this:
Sample itinerary for a 2-week trip of South America
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Request a roundtrip through South America
Sample itinerary South America 3 weeks
Chile - Bolivia - Argentina
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Combination of countries
As indicated, combining countries during a roundtrip is quite possible. We have listed a number of countries that are often combined and can also be combined very well. In principle, all countries can be combined as long as sufficient time is allowed and the budget allows it.
More information on combined tours to Argentina & Brazil
More information about combined tours to Argentina & Chile
More information about combined tours to Argentina & Uruguay
More information about combination holidays to Ecuador & Galapagos
More information about combination holidays to Bolivia & Peru
To conclude, we have listed some examples of round trips on our website. Of course, these trips can always be adapted and you can always come up with your own ideas for the best itinerary.
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24-day roundtrip Argentina Patagonia & Uruguay
nature – culture – driving
On this trip, you’ll not only be awestruck by the breathtaking natural beauty of Argentine Patagonia, but you’ll also soak up the culture at a traditional estancia and in the colonial town of Colonia.
From €9,795 per person -
20-day luxury roundtrip Ecuador & Galapagos
Amazon - mountains and volcanoes - Galapagos - history
On this trip, you’ll discover the natural beauty Ecuador has to offer: the lush Amazon jungle, the snow-capped volcanic peaks that dominate the Andean landscape, and you’ll get up close to the wildlife on the Galápagos Islands.
From €16,105 per person -
4-week round trip Peru & Bolivia
culinary - ancient civilisations - Amazon - Andes
Travel from one high point to the next on this trip. You’ll encounter the most beautiful landscapes around the Uyuni Salt Flats, the reflections on Lake Titicaca and the Andes Mountains, whilst also discovering ancient cultures and civilisations and exploring the wildlife in the Peruvian jungle.
From €9,760 per person -
15-day round trip animal and nature in Brazil
driving - Pantanal
This trip takes you (partly) by rental car through the ‘Wild West’ of Brazil, focusing on wildlife and nature, and concludes in the cosmopolitan city of Rio de Janeiro.
From €6,507 per person -
20-day family trip Suriname and Curaçao
Family trip - Amazon - indigenous people - beach
On this family holiday, you’ll get to know the local people and experience the stunning natural beauty of Suriname, before rounding off your trip in style on the beaches of Curaçao.
From €4,335 per person -
Colombia in 2 weeks
Colombia in 2 weeks
nature - history - cities
Discover Colombia on this 2-week trip. Explore the completely different cities of Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Cocora Valley and Tayrona National Park on the coast.
From €5,230 per person
Request a travel proposal
Would you also like to take a roundtrip through South America? We can arrange the above trips for you, but we are also happy to put together a programme based on your wishes and ideas. Feel free to contact us by calling +31 73 610 62 04, sending an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl or requesting a tailor-made quote below. We will be happy to help you.